Department for Culture Media and Sport
computer and video games
Since 2005, we have jointly sponsored the computer and video games sector with the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR).
DCMS takes a lead role specifically on classification issues for media. In keeping with the partnership approach BERR is closely involved in this as it relates to games.
BERR manages the Government's business relations with the games industry and takes the lead role on the broad range of competitiveness issues affecting it. DCMS looks to where it can add value to this, particularly from the creative, cultural and social perspective.
The UK computer games market remains the third largest in the world after the US and Japan with the highest number of games development companies and publishers in Europe. The UK’s console market is the largest in Europe - far bigger than the second (France) and the third (Germany) put together.
Currently there are approximately 150 development studios operating in the UK employing 6,000 people. In 2006, the UK computer games industry recorded sales of £1.6 billion, a 1% increase on 2005.
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The Byron Review
In September 2007 Dr. Tanya Byron conducted an independent review, looking at the risks to children from exposure to potentially harmful or inappropriate material on the internet and in video games. The review was supported jointly by DCMS and the Department for children, schools & families (DSCF).
On 27 March 2008 Ed Balls and Andy Burnham accepted all of Dr Byron’s recommendations, and pledged to act immediately on taking forward her proposals.
The final report of recommendations can be found on the Department for Education and Skills website.
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